Tributes are paid to Ilkley charity volunteer who ‘went the extra mile’

A charity has paid tribute to the outstanding contribution of a Silsden man who has died of a heart attack.

Ilkley-born Martin Copping, who was 55, was a supporter of Yorkshire Cat Rescue – formerly known as Haworth Cat Rescue.

Originally from Ilkley, Mr Copping had been living in Silsden for about 18 years. He worked as a project manager for the Skipton branch of disaster recovery firm ISS.

His brother Bryan said: “He’d do anything for anybody. And whatever he did, he’d always give 110 per cent.”

Yorkshire Cat Rescue founder Sara Atkinson said: “Martin was passionate about helping abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens, and had been a dedicated part of our team for many years.

“His sudden death has come as shock to us all. He did so many odd jobs at our homing centre he was almost part of the fixtures. His are difficult shoes to fill and we will miss him very much.”

His volunteering ranged from working at the cat homing centre in Cross Roads to helping with fundraising activities. More recently he had been involved in supporting the charity’s new store in Cavendish Street.

Former campaign manager Corinne Moore, who attended his funeral on January 14, said: “Martin was a cat lover, a committed supporter of Yorkshire Cat Rescue and a friend to many.

“He always went the extra mile and spent long hours in supermarket foyers dressed up as Haworth Cat to help raise as much money as he could.

“He had a great sense of humour and would have loved the fact that Haworth Cat attended the service at Skipton Crematorium to honour his efforts to improve cat welfare.”